Fast-track laws for AFL stadium appear punted

Perth Now

4 days ago

Plans to fast-track the approval process for a new $945 million stadium in Tasmania appear dead in the water because of delays caused by the state's snap election.
Both the incumbent Liberals and Labor opposition are courting crossbench support after falling short of the 18-seats required for majority at Saturday's election.
Four independents who hold the balance of power have said they won't be rushed on negotiations, with the final make-up of parliament likely not settled until August 2.
The poll, which was called in June when Premier Jeremy Rockliff lost a vote of no-confidence, delayed legislation designed to fast-track the stadium's approval.
Building a 23,000-seat roofed venue at Macquarie Point in Hobart is a condition of the Devils' AFL side entering the league in 2028.
Tasmania faces financial penalties if the project doesn't meet construction timelines and if the stadium isn't ready for the club's second season in 2029.
The incumbent Liberal government wanted to bring forward legislation to fast-track its approval, overriding the existing project of state significance (POSS) assessment process.
The POSS process, which has held public hearings in recent weeks, has continued and will provide a final report on September 17.
Mr Rockliff has indicated the fast-track legislation won't be pursued, given parliament may not return until September.
"We put the enabling legislation forward because of particular timeframes," he told ABC radio on Thursday.
"But expectations are the timelines are now roughly the same in terms of enabling legislation and the POSS process."
Labor leader Dean Winter, whose party supports the stadium and said it would vote for the fast-track legislation, said he now wanted to see the project go through the POSS process.
"It's clear there is no advantage, in terms of timeline, of the direct legislation," he told reporters.
"The POSS has more certainty and is more likely to be supported in the Legislative Council."
The stadium must pass a parliamentary vote under the POSS process to be approved.
The stadium is supported by the Liberals - who have so far won 14 of 35 lower-house seats after the election - as well as Labor, who have claimed 10.
But it faces a trickier passage through the Legislative Council where the major parties don't hold the numbers.
Counting to determine the final two undecided election seats continues, with preference distribution expected to begin on Tuesday.
Mr Rockliff and Mr Winter, who must obtain the support of the Greens to govern, are negotiating with a crossbench which is mostly opposed to the stadium.
The Greens, who hold five seats, are against, as are independents Kristie Johnston, Craig Garland and Peter George.
Independent David O'Byrne backs the stadium.
Mr Rockliff and Mr Winter have said the stadium is not up for negotiation.
Mr Winter reiterated Mr Rockliff would get "first crack" at governing, but Labor didn't want Tasmania forced back to another election if the Liberals couldn't.
"In the event he can't secure 18 votes on the floor of the house there is going to need to be people working across the parliament together," Mr Winter said.
Mr O'Byrne said the raw numbers on the floor would dictate how easy it would be for either major party to form government.
He also said he was open to a Liberal or Labor government.
Ms Johnston, Mr Garland and Mr George said formal negotiations won't begin until after the final election results have been decided, saying neither major party has a mandate to govern.
"For that reason, like other cross bench members, we will be speaking to both major parties about confidence and supply," the trio said in a statement.